How is it that we can get clear photos of distant galaxies and nebulas, but any shot of Pluto is a blur?

Question

HIX Tutor · Accepted Answer

undefined That's a great question! Let’s think about it step-by-step.

1. **Distance**: How far do you think galaxies are compared to Pluto?
  
2. **Telescopes**: What kind of telescopes do you think help take pictures of galaxies?

3. **Light**: Why do you think light from galaxies might be clearer than light from Pluto?

4. **Planet Size**: Is Pluto a big planet or a small one compared to galaxies?

5. **Mission**: Remember the New Horizons spacecraft? How long did it take to get to Pluto?

By thinking about these questions, what do you think helps us see distant galaxies better than a small planet like Pluto?

Clara Avalos · Answer

Galaxies occupy more area in the sky. Their angular size is much more than planets.

The angular diameter of Andromeda galaxy is about 3 degree Moon is about 30 arc minute( or half degree)...Where as Pluto varies from 0.0608 arc seconds to 0.116 arc seconds.
3600 arc seconds = one degree.

Luke Allen · Answer

undefined Distant galaxies and nebulas are captured with powerful telescopes, while Pluto, being in our solar system, is imaged from a much closer range, making its details harder to discern. Additionally, Pluto's small size and distance contribute to the challenges in obtaining clear images.

Ivy Allen · Answer

undefined The clarity of astronomical images, whether of distant galaxies and nebulas or of objects within our solar system like Pluto, depends on several factors:

1. Distance: Distant galaxies and nebulae are typically much larger and emit more light than individual objects within our solar system. This makes them easier to capture with telescopes, even from great distances.

2. Light Gathering Power: Telescopes used for observing distant galaxies and nebulae are often large and equipped with powerful optics that can gather and focus light effectively. This enables them to capture detailed images even from very faint sources.

3. Resolution: Distant galaxies and nebulae are composed of numerous stars, gas clouds, and other structures, which can be resolved by telescopes with high resolution capabilities. Advanced imaging techniques and longer exposure times can further enhance the resolution of these images.

4. Motion and Atmosphere: Objects within our solar system, such as Pluto, are much closer and often move relative to Earth at a faster pace. Additionally, Earth's atmosphere can distort and blur images of objects at such distances. Achieving clear images of objects within our solar system requires compensating for their motion and minimizing atmospheric interference, which can be challenging.

In summary, clear images of distant galaxies and nebulae are achievable due to their size, light emission, and the capabilities of advanced telescopes. On the other hand, capturing clear images of objects within our solar system, like Pluto, presents challenges related to their smaller size, motion, and atmospheric interference.